Sleeper QB hoping for attention at prep

Quarterback Jarrett Dunston out of Raleigh (N.C.) Southeast Raleigh doesn't hold an offer to date. The 6-foot-2, 198-pounder is looking for a second shot in recruiting and some offers from Division I programs while he attends Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. this year.

"It's been cool here, I'm adjusting well and it's more structured than stuff back home," he said. "It adds both structure and discipline to your day and keeps you out of trouble which is good."

This season Dunston will have plenty of help with the No. 20 player in the country, wide receiver Vidal Hazelton.

"He's a really talented guy. When you throw to him it's like glue he's not afraid to go up for the ball and get it either," he said. "It's pretty good to have him as a receiver and he's told me I've been throwing it in the right spot all the time. I'm hoping to lead this team to an undefeated season and hopefully I'll get some scholarship offers too."

Joining a team with some of the top players coming out of high school, what are Dunston's thoughts about the Tigers?

"This team is the best I've been around ever. Everyone's athletic even the big guys are and we're gelling really well in just a week," he said. "I've been really impressed with Callahan Bright, Alaeze, Vidal and a whole bunch of other guys too. Everyone out here is a high caliber player."

The quarterback prospect hasn't seen much in the way of recruiting interest though.

"I'm open and looking at any school, some schools I like include North Carolina State, North Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech, but I'm open right now," he said. "State has talked to me, but that's the only school I know of right now that's showing interest. I hopefully will find out pretty soon who else is interested. Growing up I was a fan of State and UNC, I know some people are fans of either, but I grew up liking them both. They are my backyard schools and I'd love to play there, but we'll see whatever comes to me."

What does Dunston think stands out about his game?

"Things that make me stand out as a quarterback are that I'm a leader on the team," he said. "I do things with my abilities and make good decisions on the field. A quarterback should be able to go out and lead the team and I feel I do that."

Hargrave coach Ryan Sulkowski couldn't agree more.

"Jarrett has the charisma you look for in a quarterback. He's very intellectual, fully qualified and ready to go in January. He signed with Hampton in February, but he wanted to get a second look by colleges and see what could have been," he said. "When he came to us, we immediately saw a big, thick, big-armed quarterback that reminds you of Daunte Culpepper a little bit. He has picked up on the offense really quick and knows exactly what's going on, on the field. He's also developed into a leader on this team too.

"He now has the realization that he doesn't have to carry the team, he'll utilize his receivers and do a great job and open a lot of eyes this year. Colleges are starting to get a feel for him and they just want to see him on the field, my selling point with him has always been you have to stand next to him and talk to him because he's the type of guy you want in your system."

What stands out about the two-star quarterback according to Sulkowski?

"His big thing is that he's very good at the play-action pass, he adds a dimension in those regards and he has an attention to detail," he said. "If he doesn't know something he'll ask and stop everything that is going on to find out what needs to be done. It's rare that you find a guy that wants to take the time and know what he should be doing correctly. Then he's got great arm strength and a zip on the ball. Finally, he's a quick guy that can take off and is strong enough where teams will have to wrap him up to get him down."

The coaches seem convinced that Dunston is the real deal and surely a Division I quarterback.

"I think we're looking for big things as he's an ACC-caliber quarterback and it'll just take one or two tapes for schools to see that," he said. "There's no doubt in my mind that he'll get what he deserves. He'll be a good one, I can guarantee that one if you'd like me to."

Dunston accounted for nearly 1,600 yards of offense, 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior last season.